ABOVE: Adm. Dr. Rachel Levine. Photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services.
The nation’s eight uniformed services added the first ever openly transgender four-star flag officer Oct. 19 as Dr. Rachel Levine, who serves as the HHS Assistant Secretary for Health and head of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps, was ceremonially sworn in as the highest ranking official in the USPHS Commissioned Corps.
The admiral will lead 6,000 Public Health Service officers.
“I am humbled to serve as the first female four-star officer of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and first openly transgender four-star officer across any of the 8 uniformed services. This is a momentous occasion and I am pleased to take this role for the impact I can make, and for the historic nature of what it symbolizes. May this appointment be the first of many like it as we create a more inclusive future,” Dr. Levine said in a statement.
“Admiral Levine’s historic appointment as the first openly transgender four-star officer is a giant step forward towards equality as a nation. This is a proud moment for us at HHS. Admiral Levine — a highly accomplished pediatrician who helps drive our agency’s agenda to boost health access and equity and to strengthen behavioral health — is a cherished and critical partner in our work to build a healthier America.” said Health and Human Services Secretary, Xavier Becerra in a statement.
Housed under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and led by the Assistant Secretary for Health and U.S. Surgeon General, the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is one of eight uniformed services – and the only one dedicated solely to protecting, promoting, and advancing America’s public health. Public Health Service officers serve throughout the nation in communities that are most in need by providing health care to underserved and vulnerable populations or advancing practice, policy, or research. As America’s Health Responders, Public Health Service officers are the first in line to defend the nation’s public health against threats large and small.
“I’m so grateful to work alongside a kind, principled leader like Admiral Levine, and it is my honor to celebrate her historic appointment as the first female four-star officer to serve in the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps and as the first openly transgender four-star officer to serve in any of the uniformed services. Her appointment represents an important step towards a more inclusive future, and her service will undoubtedly advance the USPHS Commissioned Corps’ mission to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of our nation.” remarked the U.S. Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Vivek Murthy.
Levine, before being nominated by President Joe Biden and then confirmed by the Senate for her current role earlier this year, had previously served as the Secretary of Health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, had been confirmed previously by the state’s Republican-controlled senate to serve as Secretary of Health and the state’s physician general.
Watermark Editor’s Note: Watch her swearing in ceremony and read more below.
I am deeply honored & grateful to join the ranks of men & women across this great nation who have committed to defend the United States against small & large threats, known and unknown. I promise to uphold that trust to the fullest extent of my abilities. https://t.co/ryfwRqbAoz
— ADM Rachel Levine (@HHS_ASH) October 19, 2021
